John Romita Sr. drew the Spider-Man most familiar to the general public. Taking over from Steve Ditko in 1966, Romita used his background in romance comics redefine Spider-man and his extensive supporting cast as the most beautifully rendered characters on the comics stands.

Employing a symmetry and grace that seem impossible by human hands, it’s easy to forget that someone had to draw those images — the hundreds of poses that grace colouring books, posters, puzzles, lunch boxes and T-shirts. John Romita transitioned Spider-Man from cult favourite to the most popular superhero in the world.